As technology and the economy changes, the question arises – which careers can ensure future economic stability? Trade schools offer a faster and less expensive mean of learning the skills necessary for the in-demand jobs of tomorrow. Following is an overview of some of the best future jobs you can train for at Tulsa Welding School.

1. Welder

In principle, joining two metal parts together seems like a simple task. In practice, however, welding companies struggle to find enough skilled welders who are capable of meeting their needs. In fact, one employer in Texas had to station armed guards around his worksite to prevent corporate poachers from stealing its welders. Overall, the American Welding Association predicts that the nation will need 216,000 workers with welding training to fill jobs before 2020.

Welders can work in different industries. An underwater welder, for instance, will join together the massive beams needed for oilrigs and pipelines. A welder working in a small-town brewery will create and maintain the thousand-gallon tanks used to store beer for fermentation and distribution. While many welders find themselves working in the manufacturing and construction industries, others travel with the pit crews of NASCAR racing teams, on cruise ships, and other places.

Although robotic welding has become more prevalent in the manufacturing industry, automation has created, rather than removed, career opportunities for welders. Welders with high-tech skills are needed to oversee and manage the equipment. Lastly, welding offers numerous opportunities for advancement. While the mean annual for a welder is $40,040 a year, certified welding inspectors can earn overtime pay depending on the industry.

2. Pipefitter

Transferring water or oil from point A to point B requires a massive series of pipes running above or underground, and each pipe segment needs to be joined together to ensure that the liquid does not spill. Individuals with pipefitter training are in high demand, especially in areas where oil extraction and production is prevalent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts faster than average job growth for this field through 2024.

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In the coming years, pipefitters will also find themselves repairing and replacing much of America’s aging infrastructure, which received a D+ grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers. The group estimates that $3.6 trillion will be needed to fix local water pipes, roads, and bridges by 2020.

3. Electrician

Keeping the lights and wiring functioning properly highlights the need for electricians. Compounding the need for electricians is the rapid retirement of older professionals in this industry.[i] Given these factors, electricians are expected to experience much faster than average job growth through 2024.

Homes, businesses, and factories are all places where electricians work. Much like welders and pipefitters, electricians are unlikely to suffer the consequences of outsourcing since much of their work is performed on-site. Electricians don’t need to worry about their futures.

Individuals can enter the field after just seven months of electrician school and start advancing their careers. The Annual mean wage for electricians is 54,520 but may be higher or lower depending on the industry.

Secure Your Future

The skilled trades will account for some of the most in-demand jobs of the future due to the large number of retiring workers and thriving industries that employ them. Secure you future now with career training from Tulsa Welding School.

Accredited School, ACCSC. TWS-Jacksonville located at 1750 Southside Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216 is recognized by ACCSC as a satellite location of TWS-Jacksonville located at 3500 Southside Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32216. Tulsa Welding School & Technology Center (TWSTC) in Houston and TWS-Jacksonville are branch campuses of Tulsa Welding School, located at 2545 E. 11th St., Tulsa, OK 74104. Tulsa, OK campus is licensed by OBPVS and ASBPCE. Jacksonville, FL campus is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 2331. TWSTC and TWS in Tulsa, OK are approved by TWC. TWS in Jacksonville is licensed by the Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration, License No. C-668. Licensure indicates only that minimum standards have been met; it is not an endorsement or guarantee of quality. Licensure is not equivalent to or synonymous with accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. TWS in Jacksonville is also regulated by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Office for Career and Technical Schools, 10 N. Senate Ave, Suite SE 308, Indianapolis, IN 46204; OCTS@dwd.in.gov; 317-234-8338 or 317-232-1732; http://www.in.gov/dwd/2731.htm. GI Bill® Eligible (check with local campus for specific eligibility). The AOSWT program is an Associate of Occupational Studies degree program and is not an academic degree. The AOSWT program is not approved for the following states: CO, GA, LA, MN, and TX. For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who complete our programs, and other important information, please visit our website at: http://www.weldingschool.com/student-resources/regulatory-information/.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

For students who started and completed their training during the 12-month period for which 150% of normal time for completion has elapsed and who attained employment in their field of study as outlined on our annual ACCSC accreditation report dated July, 1, 2106. Total number of graduates employed in the field for all TWS campuses (1304), divided by total number of eligible graduates (1641), equals 79%.

*According to 2015 IPEDS data TWS has the largest total combined enrollment of students for all post-secondary schools in the U.S. with the designated largest program of CIP Code Welding Technology/Welder.

**Financial aid available to those who qualify. Check with campus for scholarship eligibility.

1 Total number of estimated graduates for TWS calculated based on historic data available as of 1/20/16.

2 Tulsa area annual mean wage is $45,470, Jacksonville area annual mean wage is $39,950 and Houston area annual mean wage is $49,860 for welders, cutters, solderers and brazers (514121) reported by BLS as of May 2016 http://data.bls.gov/oes. Average starting salary for Professional Welder is $33,415 for TWS Tulsa, $31,764 for Jacksonville, and TWSTC is $34,257 for graduates employed during the 12 month period of 7/1/15-6/30/16.